April 27, 2020
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
New International Version (NIV)
Do you love getting mail?  I confess, I do.  But it has been a while since I paid much attention to it.  Yesterday, I received an envelope with a note and a check written out to Tallowood.  The check was for $1200.  The note designated the money to help those who are hungry or in need.  The sender said God had told them to give their stimulus check from the government to help others.  I had to sit down.  How do we explain that kind of gift?  Who thinks that way?

Grace is contagious, no doubt about it!   God’s unmerited Father not only saves us from our sins, but it continues to transform us into the likeness of Christ.  So Paul wrote to the Corinthians inviting them to share in a special offering for the believers in Jerusalem.  To inspire them he told about the Macedonian churches (think Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea).  These Christians let their joy transform their poverty into rich generosity.  They gave beyond their ability because they first gave themselves to the Lord and then gave their money. 

Why do people give sacrificially?  God showed us the way.  In verse 9 Paul says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich.”  God gives great grace not only to enjoy but to share.  I stand in awe of the grace of God that forgives us for our sins.  Then sometimes I get a front row seat to the contagious work of grace through the lives of God’s people.  Usually I need to sit down.  And then I say, “Grace.”  
Pray with me:         
Father, how can we ever thank you enough for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who left the infinite worth and wealth of heaven to be born as a baby who grew up with no place to lay his head.  Thank you for the love that drew salvation’s plan and for the grace that brought it down to us.  Lord we pray that the seed of grace you planted in our hearts will grow in us until we grow up to become like Jesus.  Let your generous grace make us grateful . . . gracious . . . grace-filled people in all that we do.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen. 
Join us in memorizing the Word.  Scripture for this week:    
Matthew 5:36-37
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.  All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan.  Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG 
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week.  In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year.  Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.  
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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